When Can You Start Having Sex After Childbirth?

Sex after childbirth: how soon can you resume making love?

The first sex after childbirth is generally possible 4-6 weeks postpartum. The exact recovery time depends on the healing of any birth-related wounds, the presence of complications, and the delivery process. The first sex after the first childbirth doesn’t have any special nuances – it is allowed within the same time frame.

After childbirth, the gynecologist will schedule a check-up to monitor the body’s recovery. Once the reproductive organs have returned to normal, the doctor will let you know how soon you can resume having sex after childbirth. If the doctor doesn’t mention it, don’t hesitate to ask directly.

In general, the cessation of lochia (postpartum bleeding) is an indicator of the healing of internal wounds. The end of lochia usually signals the beginning of the period when you can start having sex after childbirth.

When women search for information about how soon after childbirth they can have sex, they often specify the method of delivery. This specification is not necessary. There are no differences because external stitches heal much faster than internal tears and wounds, which determine the period of abstinence. Therefore, the recovery period is approximately the same after natural childbirth and after a cesarean section.

Why is it not allowed to have sex for some time after childbirth?

Engaging in intimacy too soon after childbirth can lead to negative consequences for the young mother. This is primarily related to the presence of open wounds on the genital organs and the consequences that arise from this.

Firstly, there is a risk of disrupting the healing of damaged tissues. If you pause sexual activity after childbirth but do not wait for the complete recovery of internal organs, the mechanical impact from a partner can lead to re-tearing of the vaginal walls. This will negate all the body’s efforts towards healing the wounds.

An important factor is also the psychological state. Often, women do not feel the desire for intimacy shortly after childbirth. They have much to learn, adjust to a new rhythm of life, and restore not only their reproductive system but their entire body. Going against one’s will in such matters is the last thing you want to do.

For those who do not find the threat to health a significant argument, the fact that a woman will not be able to experience pleasure from the process will encourage abstaining from sexual activity after childbirth. Healing stitches, tears, cuts, and bleeding will turn making love into a challenge.

In the initial period after a cesarean section, there is an added risk of abdominal stitches coming apart. Maximum rest is essential for a woman to heal her stitches, and the strain involved in sex could likely provoke the stitches to separate.

Another reason to avoid sex immediately after childbirth is reduced immunity. The entry of any infection can have dire consequences. Additional illnesses for the mother are unnecessary, as the body is already weakened after childbirth.

How long should one refrain from sex after birth if there are additional complications?

Absolute contraindications to sex will include all typical issues faced by new mothers after childbirth until they are fully resolved, namely:

• perineal tear (incision);

• healing stitches;

• aching pain in the lower abdomen;

• pain during attempts to have sex;

• psychological fear of resuming sexual activity (fear of pain, new pregnancy);

• cervical tear;

• presence of diagnosed infectious diseases.

If there are any contraindications, even during the period when sex is possible after childbirth, resuming sexual activity will have to be postponed. The period of sexual rest will last until the complete disappearance of the problem. For example, in the case of cervical tear, resuming sex after childbirth can only occur after several months, i.e., two to three times later than without such a complication.

First-time sex after childbirth: how not to ruin the romance?

After such a trial as childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes irreversible changes. Many of them directly affect the quality of sexual life. To ensure that the first sex does not kill a woman’s desire to rekindle past passion, one must prepare thoroughly.

Before resuming sex after childbirth, you need to obtain a doctor’s permission. Even if a woman feels she is well and her body has recovered, a definitive verdict can only be determined through additional examinations.

It is important to remember that maintaining hygiene before and after sex is particularly crucial after childbirth. This is due to the high susceptibility of damaged genital organs to infections. Additionally, it is necessary to use contraception during the initial period. It will provide extra protection against infections and prevent an unwanted pregnancy at this time.

Sex after childbirth should be as gentle and careful as possible. During this time, a woman explores the new state of her body and gets used to the changes. It is essential to listen to your sensations: pain during intercourse, although common, can indicate incomplete recovery and signal issues with the reproductive system.

Kegel exercises and comprehensive strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles can help address issues with sensitivity during sex. Regaining pleasure from sex can be aided by performing the set of exercises presented in the online course.